WATSON'S HARD WORK PAYS OFF

KEVIN WATSON'S extra hours on the training ground paid off as the Reading midfielder finally grabbed his first goal of the season to seal a battling 1-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

But even his manager admitted the only way Watson was going to score was with the aid of a deflection after seeing him fire hopelessly wide on two previous occasions.

Watson finally struck gold in the 61st minute when his 30-yard right-foot effort flicked up off Paul Robinson and over the head of the stranded Alec Chamberlain.

Royals boss Alan Pardew said: "Kevin has got a fantastic strike on him but he was hitting them all over the place. He needed a deflection because he was never going to hit the target.

"It was a really tight game. Both teams were well-drilled but I thought perhaps we deserved the win for the way we started the second half."

Watson was delighted with the goal but admitted he needs to be weighing in with a few more.

He said: "The manager is probably right. I had two earlier shots that were poor to be honest.

"But I kept finding myself in acres of space and I kept going. The goal was on target but it did take a deflection and it just helped it over the keeper.

"I most definitely need to be scoring more goals. I stay out on the training ground practising, but Niall Clark (sports scientist) will be happy.

"He always has me as the goal scorer and us to win 1-0. I think that's about 28/1 so he's won about £150. It's nice that he has kept faith with me and not given up.He's backed me from the start of the season, but he's probably now just broken even."

Royals were lucky to be on level terms at the break after a lacklustre first half.

Pardew's men enjoyed a large slice of luck after 20 minutes when James Harper handled Jamie Hand's flick.

The ball ended up over the line, but referee Frazer Stretton had already blown and keeper Marcus Hahnemann came to the rescue with a stunning penalty save.

Pardew said: "The game was won by our back four and goalie again. He's (Hahnemann) something else at the moment.

"He's trained like a demon. He's lost weight and he looks better for it. He's as good as they come and he was the best player on the pitch."

Watford boss Ray Lewington admitted he was disappointed with the defeat, having seen his side dominate the first half.

He said: "The referee said he had already blown his whistle so he couldn't let the goal stand. Technically the lad (Harper) should have gone but I wouldn't have liked to have seen that.

"It was a fantastic save that wins matches and so it proved for Reading.

"Our lads are so disappointed because we felt we did enough to win the game."